Degree Requirements

Doctor of Philosophy Degree

A Ph.D. degree is normally required for a career in university teaching and research as well as for research management in industry. Candidates for the Ph.D. must have a firm understanding of the fundamental principles of mathematics, physical and biological sciences, and engineering. They must he able to synthesize information from a variety of disciplines in formulating new and effective approaches to specific problems of interest. Furthermore, the Ph.D. candidate must possess the ability to plan and execute a creative research program that results in new knowledge. Ideally, breadth as well as depth of learning distinguishes the holder of a Ph.D. degree.

All candidates for the Ph.D. degree are therefore required to demonstrate their ability to apply information from a variety of disciplines to problems encountered in their field of specialization. This is accomplished through a preliminary examination conducted at least two semesters prior to submission of the dissertation. Typically, the preliminary examination is given within the first year of formal course work on the Ph.D. A final oral examination in defense of the dissertation is also required.

Summary of Requirements for the Ph.D., Degree:

1. At least 72 semester credits of course work and research approved for graduate credit by the student's advisory committee. The following restrictions apply:

a. At least 32 semester credits must be earned at Colorado State University. (A suitable M.S. degree may be substituted for 30 semester credits and up to 10 credits of course work after completion of the M.S. degree may be accepted for transfer.)

b. At least 40 semester credits beyond the B.S. must be at the 500 level or above.

c. Not more than 30 semester credits of research beyond the M.S. may be counted toward the minimum requirements listed above.

2. Satisfactory performance on a preliminary examination normally taken in the first year of the program.

3. Submission of an acceptable research dissertation.

4. Satisfactory performance on a final comprehensive examination, which includes a defense of the dissertation.

5. Satisfactory completion of any additional University requirements as listed in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.

Master of Science Degree

The basic purposes of the program leading to the M.S. degree are (1) to develop the student's ability to conduct research and (2) to develop proficiency in a specialized area of chemical engineering. Thus, the M.S. degree is an appropriate step toward a Ph.D. degree (described later) or a means to train engineers capable of applied research and technical leadership in industry or government. The M.S. degree is an excellent way for qualified students to gain a deeper insight into a specific subject and to expand the general engineering knowledge obtained during undergraduate education.

To meet the needs of students with different goals, two programs are offered: Plan A, in which a research investigation culminating in a thesis is required; and Plan B, a program of advanced study culminating in a technical report and a general examination by a committee of the graduate faculty. Plan A is normally selected by those envisioning a career in applied research or as an intermediate step toward the Ph.D. degree. Students who want to develop technical proficiency in a particular area of specialization but do not contemplate a career in research or university teaching usually choose Plan B. Individual programs of study are determined by students in consultation with their advisory committees. Typical selections are described in the section on programs of' study.

Summary of Requirements for the M.S. Degree:

1. At least 30 semester credits in course work and research approved for graduate credit by the student's advisory committee. The following restrictions apply:

a. Twenty-four of the 30 semester credits must be earned at Colorado State University (may include credits from videotaped classes taken through SURGE), 21 of which must be earned after admission to the Graduate School.

b. At least 16 semester credits at Colorado State University must be earned in courses numbered 500 or above, of which 12 must be in regular course work.

c. Not more than six credits for thesis research may be counted toward the minimum requirements listed above.

d. Courses must include: CH 693 Seminar I CH 793 Seminar 11 and at least one advanced course in applied mathematics or statistics.

2. An acceptable thesis (Plan A) or technical report (Plan B).

3. Satisfactory performance in a final comprehensive examination.

4. Satisfactory completion of any additional University requirements as listed in the Graduate and Professional Bulletin.